85 & 95 Ralph Thomas Road
Highlands, NC, 28741 $ 2,950,000
Bedrooms5 Baths5.0 Sq 4,164 Monthly Estimate*
$ 20,375
for $2,950,000 with 5 bedrooms and 5 full baths. This 4,164 square foot home was built in 1974 on a lot size of 0.97.
A rare two-home Highlands retreat just four minutes from Main Street, this exceptional offering was originally built by renowned local craftsman Ralph Thomas and thoughtfully updated for modern mountain living. Privately set among the trees near the Mirror Lake area, the property spans approximately one acre across two lots and offers an uncommon blend of craftsmanship, flexibility, privacy, recreational access, and income-producing potential. Together, the residences provide approximately 4,500 square feet of interior living space, five bedrooms, five full baths, multiple flexible guest rooms and office spaces, two laundry/utility areas, four full-size refrigerators, and abundant indoor-outdoor living space. More than 2,000 square feet of decking includes a 400-square-foot cathedral-style screened porch, permanent seating areas, two fire pits, an outdoor stove, and peaceful spaces for gathering, dining, or relaxing beneath the tree canopy. The setting is both private and convenient, with winter mountain views, summer forest-canopy vistas, and more than 130 trees planted along the perimeter in 2020 to enhance the secluded feel. A private paved driveway provides access within a quiet enclave adjoining Mirror Lake, while nearby gravel roads, waterfalls, streams, hiking trails, Skyline Lodge, and downtown Highlands place the best of the Plateau close at hand. The primary residence underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2020 while preserving its original Adirondack camp character. Original wormy chestnut cabinetry and wood flooring remain, complemented by Bosch and Liebherr appliances, updated baths, a screened outdoor living area with electric screens, a metal roof, and replacement windows and doors throughout. Additional features include two wood-burning fireplaces, a gas river-rock fireplace, two garages with space for three vehicles, workshop areas, guest parking, high-speed internet service with fiber-optic availability, and a generator serving both homes. The second residence has been upgraded to strengthen rental appeal and has generated up to $60,000 annually in long & short-term rental income. Located outside the Town of Highlands limits, the property benefits from the absence of municipal rental restrictions, offering flexibility for personal use, guest accommodations, or investment income. With two distinct homes, refined updates, original craftsmanship, outdoor living, and proven rental performance, this is a truly distinctive Highlands property.
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FeaturesGeneralLiving Area 4164
Sewer Septic Installed
Heating Electric Heat Pump Zoned
Cooling Central Air Zoned
Utilities Electricity Connected Propane Other - See Remarks
Roof Architectural Shingle
Appliances Dishwasher Electric Range Microwave Refrigerator with Ice Maker Washer/Dryer Other
Development Status Completed
Zoning R
Garage Spaces 3
Patio/Porch Features Covered Deck Patio Wrap Around Other - See Remarks
Architectural Style Traditional
Security Features Radon Mitigation System
Construction Materials Stone Wood
Year Built 1974
Levels One
Property Subtype Single Family Residence
Parcel Number 7540161487
Elevation 3500
Waterfront Features None
County Macon
New Construction N
Property Type Residential
HOA N
Subdivision Name None
Garage Y/N Y
Other Structures Other - See Remarks
Full Baths 5
Directions From Highlands: Take Main St to Franklin Rd then RIGHT on Mirror Lake Rd. Continue on Mirror Lake Rd to LEFT on Billy Cabin Rd. Continue for about 0.2 mi then veer LEFT onto Ralph Thomas Rd. You'll
High School Unspecified
City Highlands
Senior Community Y/N N
Lot Size Units Acres
Carport Spaces 0
Carport Y/N N
Elementary School Unspecified
Middle/Junior High School Unspecified
Additional Parcels Y/N N
Virtual Tour https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=JrmCRvYu2NM https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=JrmCRvYu2NM
Standard Status Active
Construction Type Site Built
Restrictions No Restrictions
Tax Assessed Value 1458020
Listing Terms Cash Conventional
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InteriorInterior Amenities Other - See Remarks
Basement Other
Flooring Carpet Tile Wood
Fireplace Features Family Room Living Room Other - See Remarks
Basement (Y/N) Y
Fireplace Y/N Y
Above Grade Finished Area 4164
Half Baths 0
Laundry Features Laundry Room Multiple Locations Other - See Remarks
Total Bedrooms 5
Below Grade Finished Area 0
Total Baths 5
SqFt Main 2216
SqFt Lower 0
SqFt Upper 1948
Bedroom 2
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ExteriorExterior Amenities Other - See Remarks
Fencing Back Yard
Parking Features Circular Driveway Driveway Attached Garage Garage Faces Front Garage Faces Side Keypad Entry Other - See Remarks
Lot Features Cleared Green Area Private Rolling Slope Wooded
Water Source Shared Well
Lot Size Area 0.97
Foundation Details Permanent
Road Surface Type Asphalt Concrete Gravel Paved
Other Parking #85 has a 1-car attached garage and concrete driveway with room for 2+ cars; #95 has a circular asphalt driveway with a 2-car attached garage.
Door Features French Doors Screen Door(s) Sliding Doors
Other Equipment Fuel Tank - Leased Other - See Remarks
Road Responsibility Private Maintained Road
Main Level Garage YN Y
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* Excluded FeaturesList ByMountain Life Real Estate, LlcBroker
Affordability Calculator
- Monthly Principal & Interest
- $20,375
- Monthly Property Taxes
- --
- Monthly Home Insurance
- --
Default based on a 30-year fixed rate of 7.375% with 20% down. The estimated payment is offered for convenience and is not an offer of credit. Due to market fluctuations, interest rates are subject to change at any time and without notice. Your individual rate may vary. Rates may differ for FHA, VA or jumbo loans.
Learn more about how to save NearbySingle family listings in Highlands, NC
Average List Price $2,512,588
Percent of Sale Price 15%
About Highlands, NC 979 Population
9% Since 2002
$ 56,549 Median Income
56.43 Median Age
14% Households with Children
Trends Information provided by ATTOM Data Solutions.
1081546 Elementary School
1081540 Middle School
Unspecified High School High School
Pricing History| Date | Price | Price Change | Description |
|---|
| 6/25/2026 | $2,950,000 | | Listed Price |